On Wednesday, the Federal Government issued a warning against using sloppy language in public discourse, the media, and security because imprecise definitions could widen rifts and weaken national cohesion.
During a two-day symposium on “Contextualizing Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa,” Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, issued the warning in Abuja.
The goal of the conference, which is jointly organized by Whiteink Institute for Strategic Education and Research (WISER) and BEACON Security and Intelligence Limited, is to advance professionalism and inclusion in security operations.
Additionally, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), SPRING, and UK International Development assist it.
Idris was represented by Dr. Dili Ezughah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), who pointed out that language used to describe security risks and impacted areas may have weight and repercussions.
He claims that names and definitions used in security operations, media coverage, and public discourse can affect how groups are perceived and handled and have the potential to either strengthen or widen divisions.
He used Nigeria’s experience, which has hundreds of ethnic groups and numerous religious traditions, as an illustration of how handling diversity necessitated discipline and justice in communication and policy.
The minister emphasized that trust is just as important to security as power and enforcement, and that civilians must be viewed as collaborators in efforts to solve security issues.
He stated that Nigeria was bolstering its security infrastructure to counteract the threats posed by terrorism and organized crime, two of the country’s present difficult security concerns.
In order to avoid categorizing entire communities, he advocated for precision in language, accountability for deeds, and differentiating between criminal activity and identity.
Idris also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common security concerns, as well as the vital role that the media plays in encouraging responsible reporting and verifiable information.
In his welcome speech, Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), pointed out that how security concerns were defined, explained, and conveyed could either increase community cohesiveness or increase mistrust.
“The language we use to describe security risks and impacted groups can have significant implications.
According to Laka, “using appropriate language is therefore an operational necessity that directly impacts trust and legitimacy.”
He emphasized that preventive, trust-building, and responsible communication were necessary to establish lasting security and that aggressive measures alone were insufficient.
Laka reiterated the NCTC’s dedication to backing programs that encouraged professionalism, diversity, and responsible security communication.
Speaking as well, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of IPCR, urged sufficient funding and capacity building for regional players to tackle the nation’s conflict and violence problem.
“We need to strengthen the ability of our local actors because, just as conflict and violence are local, so too is peace, and the people are at its core. “We can’t cut people off,” he stated.
Under the direction of Maj.-Gen. Umaru Yusuf, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, called for thoughtful conversations and fruitful deliberations that would result in more successful approaches to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and security enhancement.
In order to overcome stereotyping and ethnic profiling in discourses and security operations, he urged attendees to use the forum to create collaborations and spearhead initiatives that would have long-lasting effects.
Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, promised to promote peacebuilding in Nigeria through Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead for the Splendid Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRiNG).
In keeping with this general long-standing support, the UK government has collaborated with the Nigerian government to create the SPRING, which will work with Nigerian institutions and actors to support efforts at nonviolent conflict resolution and to improve adaptation and resilience to the pressures of climate change.
He stated, “The SPRING program is an evidence-based program on what research has found to be the issues that undercut resilience in Nigeria and drive violence.”
Retired Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala, President and Founder of WISER, cautioned that using labels and terminology to describe crimes and ethnic groups could lead to conflict and prejudices.
“You’re only addressing the symptoms, not the root of the problem, when you slap labels that are stereotyping and profiling,” Bala stated.
He emphasized the importance of comprehending the anthropological and historical backgrounds of names and labels.
He emphasized that it was the duty of elites to encourage responsible communication and to become aware of the harm caused by the use of sloppy, general terms and terminology.
He claimed that in order to create a more peaceful society, the conference would assist in raising elites’ awareness of the risks associated with employing words that could incite prejudice and conflict.
Prior to his planned four-state tour of the nation, President Bola Tinubu is expected to visit Jos, the capital of Plateau State, today.
It is anticipated that the president will express sympathy to the Plateau people and government regarding the recent gun attacks that killed innocent civilians.
His originally scheduled trip to Iperu, Ogun State, where he was supposed to kick off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport, was postponed in favor of this visit.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, made this announcement in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The visit demonstrates the administration’s concern about security issues and its support for the state’s impacted populations.
The President will travel to Lagos from Plateau to celebrate Good Friday.
Tinubu will visit Ogun State on Saturday to officially open the Gateway International Cargo Airport. He will also open two commercial aircraft that will be used for import and export activities in an effort to accelerate the state’s economic development.
The President is expected to open the new Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service building while in Ogun.
In order to improve the effectiveness of the service in managing borders and facilitating trade, he will also launch operational vehicles.
After that, Tinubu would go back to Lagos to extend his Easter vacation and attend other formal events.
The President is anticipated to commission important infrastructure projects carried out by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government while he is in Lagos.
The Lagos State Geographic Information System Building, the Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge, and a Multi-Agency Complex bearing the President’s name are among them.
In an effort to upgrade the state’s educational infrastructure, he will also open a school complex.
On April 10, Tinubu is expected to visit Bayelsa to commission projects before heading back to Abuja.
The administration of Governor Duoye Diri finished the projects.
Condolence visits and the commissioning of infrastructure projects in various sectors are anticipated to be part of the four-state journey.
